Tough Girl Podcast

Beth Rodden: Legendary Rock Climber and Trailblazer in the Outdoor Community. Sharing insights from her book: "A Light through the Cracks: A Climber's Story.

Sep 24, 2024

43:14

Join Beth Rodden, one of the most best female rock climbers of all time and a prominent figure in the outdoor community, as she delves into her remarkable journey on the Tough Girl Podcast.

Having started climbing at the age of 14, Beth quickly rose through the ranks, propelled by her passion and determination. From her awe-inspiring free climbs on El Capitan to her harrowing experience in Kyrgyzstan's Kara Su Valley, Beth shares the highs and lows of her climbing career with candid honesty.

Tune in as she discusses her book, "A Light through the Cracks: A Climber's Story," and offers invaluable insights and advice for aspiring climbers.

Discover the resilience, courage, and unwavering spirit that have defined Beth's climbing legacy and continue to inspire climbers worldwide.

Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.

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Show notes

Who is Beth Rodden
Being a professional climber
Starting climbing at 14 which was part of the first generation of kid climbers
Getting into climbing after being taken with her dad to the climbing gym
How her climbing career progressed
Having professional climbers to look up to
Being inspired by female professional climbers
Making the transition from indoor climbing to outdoor climbing
1999 heading off on an all female climbing expedition in Madagascar to establish new climbing routes and why it was a pivot point in her life
Being inspired by climber - Lynn Hill
Deciding to pursue professional climbing full time at 19
Being supported by her parents to follow her dreams
Free climbing the nose on El Cap in Yosemite National Park
Training and planning for a climb
Breaking it down into smaller sections
The difference between free climbing and free solo
Book: A Light through the Cracks: A Climber's Story.
Wanting to share her climbing story
Writing about the darker sides of climbing and the untold stories
2000 - climbing in Kyrgyzstan's Kara Su Valley.
Being kidnapped and held hostage for 6 days by rebels
Managing to escape
Getting through the dark times and the trauma
Experiencing this at 20 years old
Processing the trauma and what support was available
Self talk while climbing
How climbing has changed over the past 20 years
Getting the balance right between climbing and having a family
The struggle of a working parent
How having children changed her views on risk and the type of climbs she wanted to do
Future climbs and climbs that inspire her
Having a love/hate relationship with social media
How you can connect with Beth
Advice for women who want to get into climbing
Advice for women who want to take their climbing to the next level